10th March 2022

Money saving tips for your next holiday – Barrhead Travel

Jacqueline Dobson, President of Barrhead Travel, said:

“When it comes to saving money on your next holiday, it's not just about the final price tag at the time of booking – you need to book smartly. That means getting best value for money, making sure you're fully financially protected and, for most people, it's about the value they place on their own time too.

“Seeking out the cheapest price online can often lead to spending more money in the long-term – whether that's because your luggage wasn't included in the price of the air ticket, there's extra fees to pay at the resort or, in extreme circumstances, you might even be booking something that actually doesn't exist.

“In the wake of the pandemic, demand for travel is on the rise – but unfortunately, that also means holiday scams are increasing. Booking with a reputable travel agent – one that has ABTA and ATOL protection – is the best way to guarantee that your money is completely financially protected.

“There's an old misconception that booking with a travel agent can be more expensive – this couldn't be further from the truth. As well as saving you time, protecting your money, and providing professional guidance on changing travel restrictions, travel agents such as Barrhead Travel usually have access to the best value deals on the market.

“We work with all major airlines, tour-operators, ground handlers and cruise lines which means we have a full oversight of pricing on the market and where to access the best deals. Thanks to our size and scale, we frequently secure exclusive discounts or added-value – including upgrades, free nights or complimentary excursions.”

Barrhead Travel's top five money-saving tips for booking a holiday:

1. Book with your local travel agent. As well as saving you time, providing advice and protecting your money, they have the tools to source the best deals and savings to suit your budget. They'll often have inside information on upcoming flash sales or have access to exclusive offers.
   
   
2. Aim to book as far in advance as possible. It's always recommended to book early to enjoy launch deals and early booking discounts but it's even more important this year. Availability and capacity are tight due to a combination of continued recovery within the industry, high post-pandemic demand and the volume of bookings that were postponed or moved to 2022 from 2021/2020 because of Covid cancellations.
   
3. Attractions and add-ons, such as care hire or transfers, are always best value when booked in advance. Think about what you'd like to do when you're on holiday and book before you go to take advantage of savings. This also helps with availability: some popular attractions, such as Alcatraz in San Francisco, cannot be booked on the day. Booking in advance for car hire will eliminate the risk of eyewatering costs when the car is returned.
   
4. If you're limited to school holiday dates, thinking about your preferred departure airport can help lower costs. A Scottish family travelling from Manchester or Newcastle in June or early July (before the English school holidays commence) can sometimes save a significant sum. The same goes for English families travelling in August after the Scottish schools return. Our agents keep track of national school holiday dates to help flag money-saving options.
   
   

5. Travel off-the-beaten-track. Visiting major tourist hubs or the busiest resorts can often hold a higher price tag than lesser-known destinations. Considering destinations away from the traditional tourist trail can also provide rich experiences and contributes to micro-tourism economies where you can immerse yourself in local culture.

ENDS

A selection of Barrhead Travel's best holiday deals with added savings:

Costa del Sol
01Apr 2022
7nts Half Board
3* Globales Gardenia
Flying from Glasgow
Was £464pp
Now £414pp

Sicily
29Jun 2022
07nts All Inclusive
4* Hotel Olimpo Le Terrazze
Flying from Manchester
Was £875pp
Now £775pp

Fuerteventura
13Jul 2022
7nts Self Catering
4* Pierre & Vacances Village Club Fuerteventura Origo Mare
Flying from Newcastle
Family of 6
Was £2765
Now £2465

Turkey
29Aug 2022
14nts All Inclusive
4*+ Club shar Hotel
Flying from Glasgow
Family of 3
Was £1734
Now £1584

About Barrhead Travel  

 Since it was founded in 1975, Barrhead Travel has expanded from a traditional 'bucket and spade' travel agent to a multi-faceted travel group offering bespoke holidays to all corners of the globe, running an in-house training facility, employing specialist consultants providing expert advice in areas such as long haul, cruise, and touring holidays, and promoting youth employment through its apprenticeship scheme. 

Its network of stores span across over 85 locations throughout the UK.  The company has won many awards over the years, the most recent including Best Touring and Adventure Travel Agency and has been named Best Travel Agency in Scotland for 20 years running.  

The Barrhead Travel Stress Free Guarantee means holidays are fully financially protected and offer customers extra peace of mind when holidaying abroad with access to 24/7 support services.   

Barrhead Travel is a brand of Travel Leaders Group, a division of Internova Travel Group.